Terrorist attack in Algeria kills local man

U.S. Department of State spokesperson Victoria Nuland issued word on Jan. 21 from Washington, DC, confirming the death of a Nederland man, Victor Lynn Lovelady, contracted to work in Algeria. Lovelady was the victim of a terrorist attack exacted on the company he was working for overseas, at which time he was taken hostage by the group. Lovelady was killed after he was taken hostage by the terrorists, as was at least one other man. Two other men have also been confirmed as casualties of the attack and subsequent hostage takeover - Gordon Lee Rowan, and Frederick Buttaccio of the Houston area.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends,” Nuland said. “Out of respect for the families' privacy, we have no further comment. We are also aware of seven U.S. citizens who survived the attack. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further information to provide.”

Prior reports have asserted that the terrorists who captured Lovelady attempted to negotiate the lives of Lovelady and a fellow hostage in exchange for the release of American-held terrorist captives. The trade bargain was rejected by government officials, reports claim.

“As the President said, the blame for this tragedy rests with the terrorists who carried it out,” Nuland stated, “and the United States condemns their actions in the strongest possible terms.

“We will continue to work closely with the Government of Algeria to gain a fuller understanding of the terrorist attack of last week and how we can work together moving forward to combat such threats in the future.”

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